Can you drink alcohol on the street in Georgia?
Where drinking is banned and the fine.
Short answer
Drinking alcohol on the street and in other public places in Georgia is banned by Article 171 of the Administrative Offences Code, with a fine of 50 to 150 GEL. The ban covers stadiums, squares, parks and all kinds of public transport. The exceptions are commercial and catering businesses and places where alcohol is sold on tap.
Why
- The ban is set out in paragraph 1 of Article 171 of the Administrative Offences Code of Georgia.
- The law lists stadiums, squares, parks and public transport and adds "other public places".
- Commercial and public catering businesses and places where alcohol is sold on tap are not covered by the ban.
Details
The street is also a public place, so you cannot buy a beer in a shop and drink it on the pavement, in a park or in a square. A glass of wine on a cafe terrace or in a bar is legal because catering businesses are excluded from the ban.
A separate part of the same article fines acts that offend human dignity or public morals in public places, including relieving oneself: 100 to 200 GEL. Other bans that affect tourists are covered in what is forbidden for tourists in Georgia and what gets you fined, and for what and how Georgians drink see what people drink in Georgia.
Tip
If you want a drink outdoors, pick a cafe terrace or a bar, where it is legal. Open a bottle bought in a shop at home or in your room.
What may differ
The Code is amended from time to time, so check the amounts and the list of places on matsne.gov.ge. The rules may be supplemented by municipal acts and carrier rules.
Common misconception
Georgia is a wine country, so you can drink anywhere.
What actually happens
No: drinking in parks, squares, stadiums, public transport and other public places is fined 50–150 GEL. You can drink at catering businesses and in private spaces.
People also ask
- Can you drink beer on the street in Georgia?
Sources
18+. This answer is for reference only and is not legal advice. Rules and amounts change, so check the official websites.
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